Tacoma firefighters invite public to remember 9/11

// FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL 3301 Ruston Way Sept. 11 9:30 A.M.

Published in the Tacoma WeeklyWednesday, 29 August 2012

NEVER FORGET. The Sept. attacks happened 11 years ago, but Americans continue to remember the victims who died on that day, including many firefighters and first-responders who ultimately gave their lives helping to save people.
Photo Courtesy Of TFD / The Tacoma Weekly

Tacoma firefighters, law enforcement, city officials and citizens alike will stand side-by-side on Sept. 11 to honor those who perished in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. This annual ceremony of remembrance takes place at the Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial at 3301 Ruston Way at 9:30 a.m., with a prelude at 9:15. Tacoma Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors and bagpipes will play to begin the short ceremony.

This marks the 11th year that Tacoma Fire Department has provided area residents with a way to memorialize the attacks on New York, part of a nationwide salute to firefighters, police, emergency medical services workers and civilians who lost their lives on that terrible Sept. 11 in 2001.

In the past, Tacoma’s event has featured special guests including firefighters from the New York City Fire Department. “This year it’s more pared down and straightforward,” according to Tacoma Fire Department’s public information officer Joe Meinecke, but with the same solemn respect and coming together of community as in past years. Mayor Marilyn Strickland will speak as will Tacoma Interim Fire Chief James P. Duggan. The public is invited to attend, and sign language interpreter services will be available.